Fall 2013 Undergraduate Calendar


FORENSIC SCIENCE: COURSES

57-201. Introduction to Forensic Science
This course will survey the many specialties of Forensic Science, including forensic pathology, entomology, anthropology, biology, botany, geology, etc. Special guest lectures by practicing forensic scientists will give students direct contact with the role they play in the extraction and meaning of evidence.

57-301. Laboratory in Forensic Science
Laboratory methods used by forensic scientists are very broad. This course is a survey of the instruments used and the interpretation of the results. The goal of the course is to familiarize the student with not only the instruments, but also their limitations, and the range of practices employed by professionals for the analysis of evidence. (Prerequisite: 57-201 and enrollment in this course is limited to Bachelor of Forensic Science Program Majors.)

57-302. Pro-Seminar in Forensic Science
Students and faculty will explore current publications and research in forensic science. It is expected that students will, through reports and discussions, develop a viable research problem for their final year as a Forensic Science Major. (Prerequisite: 57-201 and enrollment in this course is limited to Bachelor of Forensic Science Program Majors.)

57-303. Forensic Identification
Practical application of principles and protocols used in forensic identification. Topics range from the expectations of the public in forensic practices to the legal responsibilities of crime scene specialists for evidence identification. Fingerprint theory and practice, image capture and enhancement, crime scene protocols and management, biometrics, and identification as contrasted to systematics are studied. (Prerequisite: 57-201 and enrollment in this course is limited to Majors in Forensic Science and Forensics and Criminology.)

57-304. Insect Evidence
Use of insects in forensic investigations covers a range of topics. Students will become familiar with insect taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, behaviour and ecology and apply this knowledge in studying the utility of insects within a legal context. The course will cover the detection, collection, identification and analysis of insect evidence, as well as the current state of knowledge in the use of insect evidence.
(Prerequisites: 57-201, 55-210)

57-313. Digital Photography in Forensic Science
Use of photography in forensic investigations covers a range of techniques. This course builds on students’ introduction to forensic photography from 57-303 Forensic Identification. Students will become familiar with different methods of solving problems of focal length, lighting conditions, lens and filter considerations and apply this knowledge in the practical application of crime scene photography. The course will cover the equipment, methodology and preparation of photographic evidence, as well as the current state of technology in the use of digital photography and photographic evidence.
(Prerequisites: 57-303).

57-400. Research and Issues in Forensic Science
Examination of current controversies in the collection, preservation, and analysis of forensic evidence. Precedent-setting legal cases and judicial enquires. Impact of new technologies. Court challenges to handwriting, DNA, fingerprint, lie detector evidence, etc. (Prerequisite: A 300-level Forensic Science course (57-3xx), and enrolment in this course is limited to Majors in Forensic Science and Forensics and Criminology.)

57-401. Practicum in Forensic Science
Students will be assigned a mentor in the world of forensic science. It is expected that they will work one day a week with their mentor developing their skills in a laboratory setting or related facility. An oral and written presentation of their work will be required at the end of the course. (Prerequisite: 57-400 and enrollment in this course is limited to Bachelor of Forensic Science Program Majors.)

57-402. Research Paper in Forensic Science
Normally, this course will be based on the development of a research problem in 57-302. Research on an approved topic should be original and make a contribution to the body of knowledge known generally as forensic science. (Prerequisite: 57-400 and enrollment in this course is limited to Bachelor of Forensic Science Program Majors.)